In Her Words: Nancy's Story

In Her WordsCandid Profiles of Strength Told by the Women of Northbridge

Throughout the month of March, we have collaborated to celebrate Women’s History Month and the rich history of the amazing women living in our communities. Their candid stories are brimming over with love, happiness, passion, family values and the markings of individuals who have truly lived well and loved life.

What are the names of your parents and brothers and sisters? My parents names were Leonard and Huldah Back and my sisters names are Margaret and Susan.

How did your parents choose your name? Does it have a special meaning? Did you have any nicknames? I am named after my aunt Doris Nancy. Everyone called me by my middle name so people wouldn’t get confused with my aunt Doris. I sign all of my cross-stitches at Ledgewood Bay with the initials DNS.

When and where were you born? I was born in Lowville, New York at Louis County General Hospital on June 20, 1936.

What kinds of things did your family do together when you were young? Growing up my family spent every summer at our lake house that my grandfather built on Lake Brantingham in Brantingham, New York. I still own the lake house with my sisters!

What did you love to do with your friends? When I was younger I loved to rollar skate, go to sporting events and have pajama parties with my friends.

What schools did you attend? What were your favorite subjects? I have attended: Lowville Academy and The Central City Business Institute in Syracuse, New York. My favorite subjects were math and biology.

If married, what is/was your husbands name? How did he propose? My husband's name is Robert (Bob) Siemienowicz, he was 17 and I was 15 when we started to go together. He asked my to marry him by saying “I suppose I’m supposed to ask you to marry me.”

What are your children’s names? I have one son named John.

What are some special memories you have about your children? Some memories I have with John are snow sledding in the winter and spending summers at the lake house. Most memories are from when John was out of school on vacation or breaks.

Where have you lived? I lived in Lowville, New York in the same house all my life until moving into Ledgewood Bay in Milford, New Hampshire.

Have you had jobs? Who did you work for and what did you do? I started out as a Dental Assistant until I began working at Keybank in Lowville, N.Y. I started as a bookkeeper and worked my way up to a teller. Eventually I became the secretary of the vice president of the bank.

What are your hidden talents? They’re hidden...

What did you do to get through the difficult times in your life? I got through the hard times with the support of my family and friends.

Do you have holiday traditions? What do you do for the holidays? For 50 years my family sold Christmas trees and wreaths.

What are some of your favorite things?Color: blueMusic: big band era, Glenn MillerFlower: red roseFood: nothing specific comes to mind, but I do enjoy pineapple upside down cake!

What are some personal experiences that have especially touched your heart? I feel very fortunate that I am able to take an active part in my great grandsons life.

What are your favorite things to do now? Cook, play rummikub, cards, bingo, knit, read and cross stitch. My cross stitch creations can be found hanging all around Ledgewood Bay.

What are your favorite experiences to partake in at Ledgewood Bay? I love getting to know and meet all of the very wonderful staff!

What do you hope for your children and grandchildren? I hope they find security, good health, and happiness.

What is your biggest piece of advice? Be understanding and patient, you need to be understanding of people’s differences. It is important ot adapt to certain situations, experiences and people.

Sum up your personality in one word... Dependable

To learn more about the wonderful way of life at Ledgewood Bay, click here.